This Old Runner Writes About Running

Progress Check: Fall Half Marathon Training

9/12/2019

Anyone Else Do This?

I just realized I've been matching my fuel to my shirts. It feels like a luxury since I have lots of Gatorade Endurance fuel in my training kit this Summer. Still, it made me laugh.

Video credit: This Old Runner

Disclaimer: I’m promoting Gatorade Endurance as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.

Time for a #MyFuelMyJourney Check-In

In August, I revealed that my Fall racing schedule includes two serious race goals. I want to PR the last two half marathons I run in my 50s.

Those PRs can be 30 seconds and I'll be happy. The real challenge isn't my finishing time, it's staying focused and getting in good solid training despite distractions.

Thanks to Gatorade Endurance, I'm training with the same fuel that's on course at the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon on October 20, and the St. Pete Run Fest Half on November 17. (Psst! Race discount for Sarasota Half here.)

I love Gatorade Endurance products, and training with the same fuel the races use gives me one less thing to worry about.

What I am worried about is whether or not I'll be fully trained by October 20th.

Goal Race #1 is the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon.

Goal Race #2 is St Pete Run Fest Half Marathon.

Training Work

It's been a super hot Summer. One of the hottest on record here in Florida. The humidity and heat make it hard to train hard. I substitute walks for runs on the really intense days.

In the past week, the early morning temps have dipped. It's only 78 degrees at 7:30 am now. That's encouraging. Running has been easier this week. Yet, I have to admit my 4-miler yesterday left me exhausted.

Training and Travel Don't Always Mix

I spent 2+ weeks out of town in August. It was wonderful to run in hilly locations and cooler temps. I managed to get my runs and cross-training done on most days.

The bad part about traveling was full days spent driving in a car. I always feel like a slug after sitting for 9 hours.

Races as Training Benchmarks

I'm smiling at the start of the 5K because it was 65 degrees! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

This vacation 5k was hilly and fun! Beautiful course. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

I found a local race to run while on vacation. It was a well-run event in a charming town.

It was pure pleasure to run hills in mid-60 temps in August. I was encouraged by my race results. Nothing crazy, but on track.

Speaking of races, one of my favorite ways to train for a half marathon is to incorporate races into my schedule.

It's tough to find long races here during the Summer, but by mid-September the longer races appear.

I'm running a 10K on September 21, then a 15K a week later. Those races fit into my weekend long runs for training.

If you don't uses races for training, consider it. It's a great way to get in a supported long run.

I like checking my pace against the race clock. And, running with a bunch of people is always fun.

Gatorade Endurance Hydration and Fuel

My thirst quencher collection includes Cherry, Watermelon, and Lemon-Lime. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Gatorade Endurance gels come in 4 flavors: Vanilla, Blackberry, Apple Pear, and Mango. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

As always, I try to be diligent about hydration. Gatorade Endurance formula is great for Floridians.

All we have to do is walk around the yard for 10 minutes and we sweat out all our minerals.

I can always tell the difference between drinking lots of water, and drinking lots of water AND Gatorade Endurance.

I don't have problems with dehydration when I drink all the GE thirst quencher.

As far as the energy gels — I like all the flavors. Blackberry, Mango, Vanilla, and Apple Pear. They go down easy with no after taste.

Plus, did I mention they match my outfits!

Where Am I With My Training?

Today, I'm glad I have another month to prepare for First Watch Sarasota Half. I'm excited about running my shorter benchmark races to get an idea about race day performances.

Although my half marathons are in October and November, it will be warm. Not brutal, but probably in the 70s while running. I'll keep prepping for hot and humid conditions.

Until then, I'll be fueling my journey and thankful that I'm healthy, happy, and running.

Good luck with your running goals. See you at the starting line!

#GatoradeEndurance #GEnduranceBR #BibRavePro #BibChat #MRTT #WeRunSocial #OptOutside #MyFuelMyJourney #SarasotaBr #StPeteRunFest #RunStPete #RunSarasota #RunFL #FloridaRunner #BestDamnRace #HalfTraining #BibRave #RunSafetyHarbor

How to Race Through Pittsburgh, PA

7/27/2019

If you're in Southwest Pennsylvania this Summer and Fall check out these local races. You'll find lots of options on distances. Let's start with a one miler!

August 9 | 7 PM
Fleet Feet Liberty Mile

$30 Adults; $10 Kids 13 & under

The Liberty Mile is a USA Track & Field certified course. It's the fastest mile in Pittsburgh!

Register to run and you'll get a chip-timed race with online tracking, a finisher shirt, and post-race food.

The race begins on Penn Avenue between 5th Avenue and 6th Street. It finishes a mile later on Liberty Avenue near Triangle Park.

Starting line of The Liberty Mile in downtown Pittsburgh, PA (Photo credit: Fleet Feet Liberty Mile)

More Liberty Mile Info:

You must register for one of the official Fleet Feet Liberty Mile heats
You can only win prize money for the heat in which you're officially registered
Gun time (not chip time) is used for cash awards
Participants must be able to finish a 20-minute mile
Parents must register and pay to run with their child
Bikes, skateboards, scooters, baby joggers, strollers, roller skates and roller blades are NOT allowed on course
No handcycles and hand-cycle wheelchairs
No Pets (unless registered for the Pup Trot Mile)

August 22 | 7 PM
SCRR Food Truck 5K

FREE

The Steel City Road Runners are hosting a FREE 5K on Thursday, August 22nd. All runners are welcome! Meet at the SCRR Garage: 810 River Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.

Race check-in at 6:30 pm. The 5K starts at 7 pm with official timing. The Coop Food Truck will be there from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Race, then feast on some chicken and waffles.

The Coop Food Truck specializes in chicken and waffles! (Photo credit: The Coop)

August 24 | 9 AM
Run Around the Square | Frick Park

5K cost is $25; 1.5 Miler is $20; 1.5 Miler for Runner & Dog $25

Run Around the Square began in 1982. It's grown into one of Western Pennsylvania’s largest 5K races.

There's a 5K with NO dogs, and a 1.5 Mile run/walk that allows leashed dogs to participate. Owner and dog must register.

The races boast a festive atmosphere with musicians playing on the course. 1.5 Miler takes place on the streets of Regent Square. The 5K travels from the flat section of Regent Square into the heart of Frick Park.

All people participants receive a shirt. Dogs get a bandana.

Course map for Run Around the Square 5K in Pittsburgh, PA.

5K race course for Run Around the Square in Pittsburgh on August 24, 2019.

Runners in the Run Around the Square 5K in Pittsburgh.

Racing to the finish inside Frick Park. (Photo: Run Around The Square)

Runners gathered after the race in Frick Park.

The finish line party includes lots of vendors, beer, food, and more. (Photo credit: Run Around The Square)

There's a post-race party at the finish line with beer, hot dogs, snacks, and vendors.

September 21 | 10 AM
FlyBy 5K at Pittsburgh International

5K cost is $35; 2 Miler is $20

Race on the runway with your family and friends. Run or walk a 5K or 2 Miler at Pittsburgh International Airport. It's a unique race that offers views you won't get any other way.

5K is a timed-event with a 1.5 hour time limit. The 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk isn't timed, and you have up to 45 minutes to finish.

Strollers are allowed in both events, but the runner and anyone in the stroller must be registered to participate. All participants get a shirt and finisher medal.

No animals are allowed on the course unless they are a registered service animal.

Participants in the Pittsburgh International Airport FLYBY 5K.

Racers on the runway at the Pittsburgh International Airport FLYBY 5K. (Photo credit: Pittsburgh Flyby 5K)

September 28-29 | 8 AM
Richard S. Caliguiri Great Race

Saturday: Fun Run, Tot Trot & Diaper Dash are $10 until race day.
Sunday: 5K cost is $35; 10K is $40

It's a Pittsburgh Tradition! Bring the kids to Point State Park for the Dollar Bank Junior Great Race on Saturday.

Come back on Sunday to race in the Great Race 10K or 5K. where you will cross the finish line in downtown Pittsburgh. All participants must run a 12-minute pace or faster.

The 10K begins in Frick Park. The mostly downhill course travels along Forbes Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and Boulevard of the Allies before finishing in Point State Park. The 5K begins at Fifth Avenue and Atwood Street in Oakland. It follows the same route as the 10K to the finish. Map below.

10K and 5K Participants receive:

Long-sleeve, technical men’s or women’s finisher shirt
Finisher medal
USATF-certified course
Chip-time with online tracking with instant online results
Virtual Goody Bag
Post-race Food

There's an awards ceremony and raffle on Sunday in Point State Park after the races.

10K runners in Frick Park during the Pittsburgh Great Race.

Runners in Frick Park during the Great Race. (Photo credit: Great Race)

Course map for the Pittsburgh Great Race 5K and 10K events.

November 2 | 8 AM
EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler

10K is $60; Relay is $110. Price increases on August 6.

The EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler course takes participants on a scenic tour of Pittsburgh through historic and charismatic neighborhoods.

The start line, located near Station Square, sits along the Monongahela River with one of the best views of Downtown. There's lots of on course entertainment.

There are 4 starting line corrals:
A - Runners faster than 8-minute/mile pace
B - 8 to 8:59-minute/mile pace
C - 8:59 to 9:59-minute/mile pace
D - 10-minute/mile or slower pace

All runners receive a long sleeve tech shirt, finisher medal, timed race, and post-race food and entertainment.

Runners in the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler race.

Take in all the beautiful Fall colors during the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler. (Photo credit: EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler)

May 1-3, 2020
Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend

Registration opens on August 13, 2019.

I ran the Pittsburgh Half in 2019, and recommend it! I'll be back soon with a link when registration opens.

Picture of downtown Pittsburgh showing the river, two bridges and downtown office buildings.

Beautiful day in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo credit: Google)